U.S. Foodservice Inc., the nation’s second-largest foodservice distributor, manages a massive logistics network that spans 75 warehouses and serves over 250,000 customers. From hospitals and schools to the busiest restaurants in the country, their commitment to reliability is absolute. However, maintaining a cold-chain distribution hub of this scale in Southern California comes with a staggering overhead—specifically, the massive electrical load required to power industrial-scale refrigeration and logistics 24 hours a day. In July 2011, U.S. Foodservice partnered with Stellar Solar Commercial to transform its La Mirada facility into a high-performance energy asset, effectively “harvesting the sun” to protect its bottom line.

Industrial-Scale Engineering for a Logistics Leader

The La Mirada project is a masterclass in large-scale rooftop solar engineering. Serving the greater Los Angeles area, this facility required a system that could withstand the rigors of an active industrial environment while delivering consistent, high-voltage power. Stellar Solar Commercial designed and deployed a massive 1.2 MWp array that remains one of the more significant commercial installations in the region.

The technical specifications of this 1.2 MWp system include:

• 5,156 Delsolar 230-Watt Modules: This expansive array of over five thousand panels was meticulously installed to maximize the solar harvest across the facility’s vast rooftop.
• 2 x SMA 500 kW Inverters: To manage the immense power conversion required for a distribution hub, we utilized two world-class SMA central inverters. These industrial-grade units ensure that the DC power generated on the roof is efficiently converted and integrated into the building’s internal grid.
• Estimated 1.6 Million kWh Annual Production: This system was engineered to generate a massive amount of clean electricity, offsetting roughly 20% of the facility’s overall energy needs.

Neutralizing the High Cost of Cold Storage

In the foodservice industry, energy is a non-negotiable operational expense. Refrigeration, climate-controlled loading docks, and automated sorting systems create a constant demand for power. By activating this system in 2011, U.S. Foodservice effectively hedged itself against over 15 years of utility rate hikes. In the 2026 energy market, where industrial rates have reached historic highs, the foresight of this installation provides a significant competitive advantage.

Generating 1.6 million kWh per year on-site does more than just lower a bill; it stabilizes operating margins. Every kilowatt-hour produced by the sun is one less kilowatt-hour purchased from the grid at peak industrial rates. This allows U.S. Foodservice to redirect those capital savings into their core mission—delivering high-quality food products to the healthcare and education sectors that depend on them.

Why Logistics Giants Trust Stellar Solar Commercial

Since 1998, Stellar Solar Commercial has been the preferred partner for California’s most complex 100kW+ industrial projects. Our 28-year history is built on a foundation of technical expertise and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the distribution and warehousing sectors.

Our in-house team of engineers and project managers handles the entire lifecycle of these massive installations—from initial structural roof analysis to the complex utility interconnection and permitting processes required for megawatt-scale systems. We specialize in working within high-traffic logistics environments where maintaining operational flow during the construction phase is non-negotiable.

Future-Proofing the Supply Chain

As we move through 2026, the strategy for large-scale distribution centers has evolved to include Solar + Battery Storage. For facilities like La Mirada, adding utility-scale battery systems allows them to store excess daytime solar energy and “peak-shave” during the most expensive evening hours, further insulating the business from grid volatility.

Stellar Solar Commercial continues to lead this energy revolution, helping California’s logistics leaders build resilient, low-cost energy futures. We turn massive rooftops into powerful revenue protectors.

If your distribution facility is ready to follow the lead of industry giants like U.S. Foodservice and reclaim control over your energy future, contact Stellar Solar Commercial today at 858-395-6905. We provide comprehensive, free commercial site evaluations to help you discover the solar potential of your facility.